Eating barbecue and looking for the perfect dessert to pair with it? You’ve come to the right place. As barbecue experts, we’ve got the inside scoop on which sweet treats complement the savory, smokey flavors of BBQ. Keep reading for our recommendations on delicious desserts that will take your barbecue meal to the next level.
Key Factors To Consider When Pairing Desserts With BBQ
When selecting a dessert to serve after bbq, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Flavor profiles – You’ll want a dessert that complements, rather than competes with, the bold spices and smoky flavors of the barbecue. Look for desserts with caramel, chocolate, fruit, vanilla, or graham cracker flavors.
- Level of richness – Barbecue tends to be heavy and rich. Choose a dessert that is lighter and more refreshing to provide contrast.
- Degree of sweetness – Barbecue rubs and sauces often contain molasses, brown sugar or honey, so you’ll want a dessert that is sweet but not overly so.
- Ease of eating – Many barbecue meals are eaten outdoors or without plates and utensils. Opt for desserts that can be eaten by hand.
Great Desserts To Pair With BBQ
Taking these factors into account, here are our top dessert recommendations to serve after a barbecue feast:
Simple Cookies And Brownies
You can never go wrong with simple, homemade cookies like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin or peanut butter. Brownies and blondies are also sure to satisfy without weighing you down. The chocolate and nutty flavors pair nicely with smoky meats.
Fresh Fruit
Refreshing fruit is a great palate cleanser after rich barbecue. Try serving slices of watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, peaches or plums. The natural sweetness perfectly balances the spice and smoke.
Pies And Cobblers
What is more American than apple pie after a barbecue? Or treat your guests to a peach, berry or cherry cobbler. The buttery, lightly-sweetened fruit fillings are excellent complements. Serve warm with ice cream on top.
S’mores
For a fun, hands-on dessert, set up a s’mores bar with skewers, graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows. Guests will love roasting marshmallows over the grill and assembling their own treats.
Puddings And Mousses
Light, whipped puddings and mousses are a fine way to end a barbecue. Try chocolate, butterscotch or vanilla flavors. Top with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers or nuts.
Milkshakes And Floats
Blend ice cream into milkshakes or root beer floats as a cool, creamy treat. Adults can spike theirs with bourbon or a coffee liqueur for an extra kick.
Granitas And Popsicles
For hot summer barbecues, granitas (Italian ice) and popsicles hit the spot. Make them fruit flavored or opt for a fudgesicle dipped in chopped nuts. Serve them on sticks for easy eating.
Banana Pudding
This classic Southern dessert combines fresh bananas and vanilla wafers with a sweet vanilla pudding or custard. The nilla wafers echo the graham cracker crust flavors in barbecue.
No Bake Cheesecakes
Light, no bake cheesecakes offer a nice richness without being too heavy. Top with caramel or chocolate sauce and crushed graham crackers.
Tips For Serving Dessert With BBQ
- Set up a DIY dessert bar so guests can serve themselves.
- Include handheld desserts that can be eaten without utensils.
- Offer individual dessert shooters or jars that are easy to transport.
- Have wet wipes on hand so sticky fingers can be cleaned before dessert.
- Keep desserts chilled in coolers or serve them frozen (popsicles, ice cream sandwiches).
- Buy pre-made desserts at the bakery if you don’t have time to bake them yourself.
- Make some desserts ahead of time so there’s less work on barbecue day.
- In hot weather, opt for no-bake desserts that don’t require turning on the oven.
With so many tasty desserts that pair deliciously with barbecue, you’re sure to find some new favorites! Try out different options and see which sweet endings your family and friends love best. Just be sure to leave room for dessert after those juicy burgers and ribs!